endanger

American  

[en-deyn-jeyr] / ɛnˈdeɪn dʒeɪr /

verb (used with object)

1. to expose to danger; imperil.

   It was foolish to endanger your life in that way.

   Synonyms:

   risk, hazard, jeopardize, threaten

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endanger British  

/ ɪnˈdeɪndʒə /

verb

1. (tr) to put in danger or peril; imperil

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Other Word Forms

• endangerment
  noun

Etymology

Origin of endanger

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at en- ¹, danger

Explanation

To endanger someone is to put them in a dangerous position, or to threaten their safety. It would endanger your little brother if you encouraged him to jump off the garage roof into a pile of leaves. Texting while you drive is a good way to endanger yourself, as well as your passengers and anyone else nearby. Scientists warn that climate change will slowly begin to endanger many plant and animal species on Earth, possibly including humans. This 15th century word combines the prefix en-, "make or put in" with danger, from the Old French dangier, "power to harm."

Example Sentences

Shortly afterward, lawmakers amended the country's glacier protection law to relax restrictions on mining in areas of permafrost, despite fears the new law could endanger crucial water supplies.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

"I did not want to endanger anyone's life", Lavrynovych told the jury at the Old Bailey.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

“It is reprehensible that a state corrections officer can be seduced by greed and manipulated by others to commit such crimes that endanger the public,” Hochman said in the statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Holding Kharg Island, Iran’s oil-export terminal, would endanger U.S. troops without necessarily forcing Iran’s hand in the Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

And that would endanger everyone, even if lights and guards and evil judges didn’t.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• expose
• imperil
• menace
• threaten